Summer with the family in Chamonix — in the heart of the Lavancher
Five ideas to pace a stay with children in Chamonix Mont-Blanc — hiking, lakes, Montenvers train, animal park, evenings by the fire pit.
Summer in Chamonix is all about experiencing the altitude barefoot in the grass. Children run in gardens, marmots whistle in the alpine meadows, and cable cars ascend without coats. Ten minutes from the center of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, in the unspoiled hamlet of Le Lavancher, the Chalet Hotel Jeu de Paume has made family holidays one of its signatures. Here are five ideas to structure a summer for your family — without overloading the schedule.
1. A family hike — choice depending on age
Le Lavancher is a direct starting point for several trails Suitable for families. For the younger (3-6 years), the walk of the sources of the Arveyron is short, shaded, and ends in a mini-canyon where you can enjoy a tasting. For the 6 10-yearsThe trail to the Chalet du Chapeau offers a beautiful view of the Mer de Glace glacier. And for the more adventurous, the Flégère and the White Lake cable car tours are among the great alpine classics — provided you have packed a picnic and a windbreaker.
2. The Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers train — a guaranteed memory
Two great classics of the valley. The Aiguille du Midi cable carAt 3,842 meters altitude, it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps—the Bossons Glacier at its feet, the Mont Blanc range opposite, and the Step into the Void for those who dare. For younger visitors or those who wish to avoid the altitude, the Montenvers train — historic cog railway — ascends to the Mer de Glace in twenty minutes, all the way to the ice cave. For logistical details, see the website of the Mont Blanc Company for schedules and prices.
3. A day at the lake — swimming and picnic
Summer in Chamonix, the Passy lakes or Lake Châtelard These are popular swimming spots for families. To stay close to Le Lavancher, the Gaillands Lake The area at the entrance to Chamonix is calmer — cool water, grass, paddleboarding, and pedal boats. And for a spectacular view without swimming, take the walk to the Lac Bleu Easily accessible from Argentière, it's a great micro-adventure.
4. The Merlet Wildlife Park — ibex in semi-freedom
A big favorite with families. Merlet Animal ParkPerched at 1,540 meters in Les Houches, the park provides a semi-free habitat for iconic Alpine animals: ibex, chamois, marmots, fallow deer, and mouflon. Children stroll along marked trails, encounter the animals at close range, and often take home their first real marmot photo. For donkey lovers, the Donkey Company aux Houches offers guided walks at the slow pace of a good-natured quadruped.
5. Evening at Lavancher — fire pit, pétanque, brunch & barbecue
In summer, the hamlet of Lavancher is bathed in light until ten o'clock in the evening. In the hotel gardens, the brazier lights up at dusk. The children collect the balls of bowlingThe parents are poured a drink, and the golden light slowly shifts over the Needles. On weekends, the brunch & barbecue de The Lavancher Table — served Friday, Saturday and Sunday — is a favorite activity for families: a generous sweet and savory buffet, barbecue prepared by the chef, and the map of the little sledders, designed by chef Mathilde Walisko especially for children — Ecotable spirit, seasonal products, homemade.
And at the hotel — a family-friendly haven
The Chalet Jeu de Paume We welcome families with care. rooms and suites They offer communicating setups for parents and children. spa — heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzis — is accessible to accompanied children at certain times. map of the little sledders The set menu at the restaurant is lovingly prepared by Chef Mathilde Walisko: starter + main course (choose your own) + dessert + drink, tailored to different age groups (€8 for 1-3 year olds, €16 for 4-8 year olds, €20 for 9-12 year olds). For childcare needs, see our concierge page childcare.
Book your family stay
Online booking, by phone at +33 (0)4 50 54 03 76 or by email to contact@jeudepaumechamonix.com.
